QUEENSLANDRACING INTEGRITY COMMISSION
 
STEWARDS REPORT
 
 
 
HERBERT RIVER JOCKEY CLUB
 
 
SATURDAY 12th JULY 2025
 
 
 
 
WEATHER – Fine    TRACK RATING –  Good (3)       RAIL True
PENETROMETER – N/A
 
OFFICIALS
 
Chairman of Stewards – R Neal
Stewards – D Griffiths and J MacIntosh.
 
SUPPLIMENTARY
 
NORTH GREGORY TURF CLUB- WINTON
Saturday 5th July 2025
 
Mr. McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge under Australian Rule of Racing AR190(3), which requires a rider to fulfil their riding engagements unless otherwise excused.
During the inquiry, Mr. McDonald advised that his non-attendance was due to personal circumstances that affected his ability to present himself in a suitable condition to fulfil his riding obligations. In determining an appropriate penalty, the Stewards considered Mr. McDonald’s early guilty plea, his cooperation during the inquiry, his previous record, and the personal circumstances presented. A fine of $1,500.00 was imposed, with $1,000.00 of that amount suspended for a period of 12 months, on the condition that no further breaches of this or a similar nature occur during that time.
Mr. McDonald was reminded of the importance of ensuring he is fit to meet his professional commitments and the expectations placed on all licensed riders.
 
 
GENERAL

Stewards permitted the following overweight’s:
R4: Graham Kliese – SIMPLY DEVINE + 0.5kg


 
Race 1: COSCA ACCOUNTANT'S QTIS MAIDEN PLATE 1200 M
SNEAKY TAY – travelled wide throughout.
SPIRIT GHOST – reared and fell when behind the barriers, striking its head on the ground. Was declared a late scratching at 1:41pm. Trainer Ms. Liliana McCormick was advised that the filly must requalify from the barriers prior to next racing. Stewards ruled that all monies invested on SPIRIT GHOST be refunded in full and that all successful wagers made prior to 1:41pm be subject to the following deductions in the face value of each ticket:
1st: PARDON THE PURR– $0.23¢ win, $0.23¢ place
2nd: TINDER SWINDLER - $0.23¢ place
MONTANA EXPRESS – travelled wide with cover for the majority of the race.
SHE'S A SWEET STAR – was difficult to load – warning placed on barrier manners; jumped away awkwardly.


Race 2. WILMAR SUGAR & RENEWABLES BENCHMARK 50 1200M
TEQUILA DANCER - bumped with ALLEZ PARIS on jumping.
ALLEZ PARIS – bumped with TEQUILA DANCER on jumping; gave ground over the latter stages and finished well back – when questioned rider Lacey Morrison stated that the mare never let down when pressured passing the 400 metres. A post-raced veterinary examination of ALLEZ PARIS revealed no obvious abnormalities      
 
Race 3. INGHAM MAZDA BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP 1000M
RESTRICTIONS – made its finishing run wide rounding the final turn.
ZORAYDAH (NZ) – travelled 3-wide without cover throughout.


Race 4. WIN NEWS BENCHMARK 55 HANDICAP 1400M
ZOUHOPE – slow to jump away.


Race 5. INGHAM CELLARBRATIONS / INGHAM GOLD CUP 1600M
READY TIGER – Stewards questioned rider Ivo Fry regarding the performance of the gelding which performed below market expectations. In explanation rider Fry stated unsuited to the strong tempo and despite being pressured passing the 600 metres failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing.
BELMONT PARK – gave ground from the 600 metres and was distanced at the finish- when questioned rider Micheal McDonald stated that the gelding failed to respond when pressured passing the 600 metres and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination of BELMONT PARK revealed no obvious abnormalities, however Trainer Mr Terry McGovern undertook to advise the Stewards should any significant matter become apparent in coming days.
AMMAND – over-raced when leading in the early and middle stages.


 
 
STEWARDS RACE DAY SUMMARY
 
 

Summary of action concerning licensees

 
Fines
NORTH GREGORY TURF CLUB- WINTON
Saturday 5th July 2025
 
Jockey Micheal McDonald [AR190(3)] – failure to fulfil engagements – Fined $1,500 ($1,000 suspended for 12 months)
 
Summary of action concerning thoroughbred horses

Horses swabbed post-race. All winners.
 
Warnings/bars  R1: SPIRIT GHOST – must trial
 
 
The matters contained within this Stewards report may be subject to external review.  The Racing Appeals Panel manages external reviews and the Racing Appeals Panel publishes its decisions on its website.

This report and the Stewards Comments for this meeting may be amended at any time, at the sole discretion of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards as races are reviewed.